Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus capable of switching power state between a first power state and a second power state, which is lower in power than the first power state, shifts from the second power state to the first power state. In a case where the image forming apparatus shifts to the second power state in response to a current time reaching a set time, the image forming apparatus is controlled not to shift from the second power state to the first power state in response to an object approaching the image forming apparatus being detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/659,516, filed Jul. 25, 2017; which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/621,232, filed Feb. 12, 2015, now a U.S. Pat.No. 9,749,490, issued on Aug. 29, 2017; which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2014-028393 filed Feb. 18, 2014, whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

One disclosed aspect of the embodiments relates to an image formingapparatus, a method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and arecording medium.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, afacsimile apparatus, or a copying machine, predetermined power generatedby a power supply device is supplied to a predetermined load of theimage forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a powersupply control device. If the image forming apparatus does not operatefor a certain time period, the power supply control device shifts theimage forming apparatus from a normal mode where a user can operate theimage forming apparatus to a power saving mode (a sleep mode) forreducing power consumption. However, even if the operation by the userhas ended, it is necessary to maintain the normal mode for a certaintime period until the image forming apparatus shifts to the sleep mode.This may lead to consuming unnecessary power.

To solve this problem, the following apparatus is discussed. Human bodydetection units are provided in an image forming apparatus. If the humanbody detection units detect that a user has moved away, the imageforming apparatus shifts to a sleep mode. If the human body detectionunits detect that a user has approached the image forming apparatus, theimage forming apparatus shifts to a normal mode (see Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2012-256234).

Further, there is also an apparatus for determining a power saving modeto which the apparatus is to shift, according to information of varioussensors and start history information (see Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2009-15770).

In the technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2012-256234, two human body detection units are used to determinewhether a person is a user of the image forming apparatus or a passerby.If, however, a person has stopped in front of the image formingapparatus, the human body detection units may erroneously determine thatthe person is a user. That is, even though a user intentionally sets theshift to the sleep mode, which is a power saving state, and shifts theimage forming apparatus to the sleep mode, if a user who does not intendto use the image forming apparatus merely approaches the image formingapparatus, the image forming apparatus shifts to the normal mode. Thismay lead to consuming unnecessary power.

Further, in the technique discussed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2009-15770, the power saving state is determined accordingto the states of the various sensors and the start history information.Thus, a user cannot intentionally specify a power state where the powerconsumption is small. This may lead to consuming unnecessary power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One disclosed aspect of the embodiments is directed to a technique forstopping power supply to a power supply system for detecting an object,for a predetermined time period during which an apparatus is in a powersaving state.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, an image forming apparatuscapable of switching power state between a first power state and asecond power state, which is lower in power than the first power state,includes a first setting unit configured to set a time at which theimage forming apparatus shifts from the first power state to the secondpower state, a detection unit configured to detect an object approachingthe image forming apparatus, a shift unit configured to, in a case wherethe detection unit detects an object approaching the image formingapparatus in the second power state, shift the image forming apparatusfrom the second power state to the first power state, and a control unitconfigured to, in a case where the image forming apparatus shifts to thesecond power state in response to a current time reaching the time setby the first setting unit, control the shift unit not to shift the imageforming apparatus from the second power state to the first power statein response to the detection unit detecting an object approaching theimage forming apparatus.

Further features of the disclosure will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an image forming system.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a user detection processperformed with respect to an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating power supply systems of the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user interface (UI) screen displayedon an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed on the operationunit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating power states of the power supplysystems of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating power states of the power supplysystems of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling an imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed on an operationunit of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed on the operationunit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the disclosurewill be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<Description of System Configuration>

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an image forming system including animage forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer unit 102, ascanner unit 103, and a main controller unit 101. The printer unit 102performs an image forming process on a sheet-like recording medium (asheet) according to an electrophotographic method, for example. Thescanner unit 103 optically reads an image from a document and covertsthe read image into a digital image. The main controller unit 101controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 so as to perform controloperations of causing the printer unit 102 to perform an image formingprocess of a document image read by the scanner unit 103 and performinga copy operation.

Further, the main controller unit 101 is connected to a personalcomputer (PC) 107 via a network 106. The network 106 is a local areanetwork (LAN) or the like, and it does not matter whether the network106 is wired or wireless. The PC 107 is a general computer apparatuswhich includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random-access memory(RAM), and a fixed storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), andto which a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse are connected. In the PC107, a printer driver program as an image forming program is installed.

If the printer driver program is executed by the PC 107, the PC 107generates page description language (PDL) data according to a renderingcommand issued by an operating system or an application program, andtransmits the generated PDL data to the image forming apparatus 100.

The PDL data is data converted by the printer driver program into pagedescription language that can be processed by the image formingapparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms on a sheet a bitmapimage generated based on the PDL data received from the PC 107, therebyperforming a printing operation. The image forming apparatus 100includes an alternating current (AC) plug 105. The AC plug 105 isinserted into an outlet outside the apparatus, thereby allowing theimage forming apparatus 100 to receive power supply from an alternatingcurrent commercial power source.

Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a human sensor unit104 for detecting a moving object such as a person around the imageforming apparatus 100. The human sensor unit 104 is not particularlylimited so long as the human sensor unit 104 is a sensor capable ofdetermining the presence or absence of a person within a detectionrange, such as a pyroelectric sensor for sensing infrared light radiatedfrom a person and determining the presence or absence of a person basedon the amount of change in the infrared light, or a reflective sensorfor radiating light such as infrared light and detecting the reflectedlight of the radiated light.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a user detection processperformed with respect to the image forming apparatus 100 illustrated inFIG. 1. FIG. 2A corresponds to a side view of an area where the humansensor unit 104 detects a human body having approached the front surfaceof the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2B corresponds to a top view ofthe area where the human sensor unit 104 detects the human body havingapproached the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, a detection range 200 is the detection range of thehuman sensor unit 104. The human sensor unit 104 detects a personpresent within the detection range 200.

In FIG. 2A, which is a side view of the image forming apparatus 100, thedetection range 200 of the human sensor unit 104 is directed to a lowerportion in front of the apparatus, where a user who performs anoperation standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100 ispredicted to be present.

Further, in FIG. 2B, which is a top view of the image forming apparatus100, the human sensor unit 104 is attached to the front surface of anoperation unit, where a user is predicted to operate the operation unitstanding in front of the image forming apparatus 100. The detectionrange 200 can be changed depending on the attachment position of thehuman sensor unit 104, the orientation of the attached human sensor unit104, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Inthis example, the configurations of the main controller unit 101 and apower supply device unit of the image forming apparatus 100 will bedescribed.

In FIG. 3, the main controller unit 101 includes a power supply controlunit 312, a network processing unit 313, a timer unit 314 (a timer unit1), a timer unit 323 (a timer unit 2), a memory unit 315, a real-timeclock (RTC) unit 324, an HDD unit 316, which functions as an externalstorage unit, a CPU unit 317, and an image processing unit 318. Thepower supply control unit 312 performs switching control for supplyingor disconnecting power to the components of the image forming apparatus100, according to a program executed by the CPU unit 317 and the statesof the human sensor unit 104, an operation unit 319, the networkprocessing unit 313, and the timer units 314 and 323.

The network processing unit 313 is connected to the CPU unit 317 and thepower supply control unit 312. The network processing unit 313 is acontrol unit for outputting, to the CPU unit 317, PDL data transmittedfrom the PC 107 via the network 106. Further, when the image formingapparatus 100 is in a sleep mode state, and if the network processingunit 313 receives from the network 106 a network packet addressed to theimage forming apparatus 100, the network processing unit 313 instructsthe power supply control unit 312 to shift to a normal mode.

The human sensor unit 104 is connected to the power supply control unit312 and notifies the power supply control unit 312 of the presence orabsence of a person within the detection range 200 of the human sensorunit 104. Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in the sleepmode state (a normal sleep mode) where power is supplied to the humansensor unit 104, and if the human sensor unit 104 detects the presenceof a person within the detection range 200 of the human sensor unit 104,the human sensor unit 104 instructs the power supply control unit 312 toshift to the normal mode.

When the image forming apparatus 100 is in a sleep mode state (a humansensor power disconnection sleep mode) where power to the human sensorunit 104 is disconnected, the human sensor unit 104 does not detect aperson. Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 does not shift to thenormal mode based on the detection of a person. The timer units 314 and323 are connected to the CPU unit 317 and the power supply control unit312. The CPU unit 317 sets a timer time in each of the timer units 314and 323, whereby the timer unit measures the set time and after thelapse of the set timer time, notifies the power supply control unit 312of the lapse of the set timer time.

The memory unit 315 is connected to the CPU unit 317. The memory unit315 is a volatile memory such as a double data rate synchronous dynamicrandom-access memory (DDR SDRAM), and is a main memory for storing userdata created by a control program executed by the CPU unit 317. The HDDunit 316 is connected to the CPU unit 317. The HDD unit 316 is a storagedevice for temporarily storing a program executed by the CPU unit 317and PDL data transmitted from the network 106. Further, the HDD unit 316stores setting information 320 of the image forming apparatus 100. TheRTC unit 324 is a real-time clock for measuring the current time and isused for confirming the current time by the CPU unit 317 connected tothe RTC unit 324.

The CPU unit 317 is a central processing unit for controlling the entireimage forming apparatus 100, and realizes a copy function and a printfunction based on a control program stored in the HDD unit 316. Theimage processing unit 318 is connected to the CPU unit 317, the printerunit 102, and the scanner unit 103. The image processing unit 318performs image processing such as color space conversion on a digitalimage output from the scanner unit 103, and outputs the image-processeddata to the CPU unit 317. Further, the image processing unit 318performs image processing such as color space conversion on image dataread by the scanner unit 103 or image data generated based on PDL datareceived from the PC 107, converts the image data into bitmap data, andoutputs the bitmap data to the printer unit 102. The operation unit 319is connected to the power supply control unit 312 and the CPU unit 317.

The operation unit 319 includes an operation liquid crystal panel andhardware keys including a sleep mode shift/cancellation button, andreceives an instruction input from a user. Further, if the operationunit 319 detects the pressing of the sleep mode shift/cancellationbutton while the image forming apparatus 100 is in a sleep mode, theoperation unit 319 instructs the power supply control unit 312 to shiftto the normal mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a power supply device 300 of the imageforming apparatus 100 will be described.

The AC plug 105 included in the image forming apparatus 100 is insertedinto an outlet outside the apparatus, thereby supplying alternatingcurrent commercial power to a relay 301 and a power supply unit 305 forcontroller power supply systems 1 and 3.

The relay 301 is controlled by the power supply control unit 312. Therelay 301 is turned on, thereby enabling the supply of power to ahigh-voltage power supply unit 303 and a low-voltage power supply unit304. The power supply unit 305 for the controller power supply systems 1and 3 is controlled by the power supply control unit 312 and connectedto a power supply system 310 (a power supply system 1) of the maincontroller unit 101 and a human sensor unit power supply unit 321.

The power supply system 310 is a power supply system to which power isalways supplied even in a sleep mode, and the power supply control unit312, the network processing unit 313, the timer unit 314, the timer unit323, the RTC unit 324, and the memory unit 315 are connected to thepower supply system 310. Further, the human sensor unit power supplyunit 321 is connected to the human sensor unit 104 with the power supplyunit 305 for the controller power supply systems 1 and 3 being an inputsource. The on/off state of the human sensor unit power supply unit 321is controlled by the power supply control unit 312.

Next, a power supply unit 302, which includes the high-voltage powersupply unit 303 and the low-voltage power supply unit 304, is controlledby the power supply control unit 312, and power to the power supply unit302 is disconnected in a sleep mode. The high-voltage power supply unit303 is mainly used for driving motors of the printer unit 102 and thescanner unit 103 and for a heater of a fixing unit. The low-voltagepower supply unit 304 supplies power to the printer unit 102, thescanner unit 103, and a power supply system 311 (power supply system 2)of the main controller unit 101.

The power supply system 311 of the main controller unit 101 is a powersupply system to which power is disconnected in a sleep mode, and theHDD unit 316, the CPU unit 317, the image processing unit 318, and theoperation unit 319 are connected to the power supply system 311. A powersupply unit 306, which includes a scanner unit power supply unit 307, aprinter unit power supply unit 308, and a power supply unit 309 for acontroller power supply system 2, is controlled by the power supplycontrol unit 312. Power to the power supply unit 306 is disconnected ina sleep mode. The scanner unit power supply unit 307 is connected to thescanner unit 103 with the high-voltage power supply unit 303 and thelow-voltage power supply unit 304 being input sources. The on/off stateof the scanner unit power supply unit 307 is controlled by the powersupply control unit 312.

The printer unit power supply unit 308 is connected to the printer unit102 with the high-voltage power supply unit 303 and the low-voltagepower supply unit 304 being input sources. The on/off state of theprinter unit power supply unit 308 is controlled by the power supplycontrol unit 312. The power supply unit 309 for the controller powersupply system 2 is connected to the power supply system 311 of the maincontroller unit 101 with the low-voltage power supply unit 304 being aninput source. The on/off state of the power supply unit 309 iscontrolled by the power supply control unit 312. Next, a descriptionwill be given of sleep settings that can be made in the image formingapparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with an automatic sleep timefunction of enabling setting of the time at which the apparatus shiftsfrom the normal mode to the sleep mode. The automatic sleep timefunction is a function of shifting, by the CPU unit 317, the apparatusfrom the normal mode to the sleep mode, if a time measured by the RTCunit 324 reaches a time set in advance for each day of the week.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user interface (UI) screen displayedon the operation unit 319 of the image forming apparatus 100 accordingto the present exemplary embodiment. This example particularlycorresponds to an example of an automatic sleep time setting screen.

The configuration of the automatic sleep time setting screen illustratedin FIG. 4 is controlled by the CPU unit 317 based on software stored inthe memory unit 315 or the HDD unit 316. A transition is made to anautomatic sleep time setting screen 1201 in a case where an automaticsleep time is to be set. A title 1206 of the automatic sleep timesetting screen 1201 is displayed as “setting of automatic sleep time”.

To set the automatic sleep time, the user presses any of day-of-the-weekbuttons 1202 and inputs numbers via numeric keypad buttons (notillustrated) prepared in the operation unit 319. Consequently, the inputnumbers are displayed as a set time in a time display field 1203. Tofinish setting the automatic sleep time, the user presses an OK button1205. If the user wishes to stop setting the automatic sleep time, theuser presses a cancel button 1204 and thereby can stop setting theautomatic sleep time. The set automatic sleep time is stored in thesetting information 320 of the HDD unit 316.

The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a sleep return timefunction of enabling setting of the time at which the apparatus shiftsfrom the sleep mode to the normal mode. The sleep return time functionis a function of setting, by the CPU unit 317, a sleep return time inthe timer unit 314 before the apparatus shifts to the sleep mode, so asto shift the apparatus to the sleep mode state. If the time set in thetimer unit 314 arrives, the timer unit 314 notifies the power supplycontrol unit 312 that the time has arrived. Then, the power supplycontrol unit 312 turns on the components, thereby shifting the apparatusfrom the sleep mode to the normal mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed on the operationunit 319 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the presentexemplary embodiment. This example particularly corresponds to theconfiguration of a sleep return time setting screen.

The configuration of the sleep return time setting screen illustrated inFIG. 5 is controlled by the CPU unit 317 based on software stored in thememory unit 315 or the HDD unit 316. A transition is made to a sleepreturn time setting screen 1301 in a case where a sleep return time isto be set. A title 1305 of the sleep return time setting screen 1301 isdisplayed as “setting of sleep return time”. To set the sleep returntime, the user inputs numbers via numeric keypad buttons (notillustrated) prepared in the operation unit 319. Consequently, the inputnumbers are displayed as a set time in a time display field 1302. Tofinish setting the sleep return time, the user presses an OK button1304. If the user wishes to stop setting the sleep return time, the userpresses a cancel button 1303 and thereby can stop setting the sleepreturn time. The set sleep return time is stored in the settinginformation 320 of the HDD unit 316.

A case in which the CPU unit 317 switches the image forming apparatus100 in the normal mode to the sleep mode is not limited to a case of theautomatic sleep time function. That is, there is also a case where theCPU unit 317 shifts the image forming apparatus 100 to the sleep mode bya sleep automatic shift function or the pressing of the sleep modeshift/cancellation button. The sleep automatic shift function is afunction of shifting, by the CPU unit 317, the image forming apparatus100 to the sleep mode if a job such as printing, copying, or scanning isnot performed within a certain time period set in advance. Also in acase where the human sensor unit 104 does not detect a person within acertain time period, the image forming apparatus 100 can be shifted tothe sleep mode by the sleep automatic shift function.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating power states of the power supplysystems of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the presentexemplary embodiment. This example corresponds to power supply states inthe sleep mode state (the normal sleep mode) where power is supplied tothe human sensor unit 104. In the normal mode, power is supplied to allthe blocks illustrated in FIG. 3. The image forming apparatus 100 may beconfigured such that power is supplied only to necessary functions atthis time, but will not be described here.

In the normal sleep mode, as illustrated in FIG. 6, power is supplied tosome of the blocks. First, alternating current commercial power issupplied to the power supply unit 305 for the controller power supplysystems 1 and 3 via the AC plug 105. The blocks to which the powersupply unit 305 for the controller power supply systems 1 and 3 suppliespower are the human sensor unit power supply unit 321, the power supplycontrol unit 312, the network processing unit 313, the timer unit 314,the timer unit 323, the RTC unit 324, and the memory unit 315. The blockto which the human sensor unit power supply unit 321 supplies power isthe human sensor unit 104. Although power to the operation unit 319 isdisconnected in the description, the image forming apparatus 100 isconfigured such that the power supply control unit 312 can detect thepressing of the sleep mode shift/cancellation button.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating power states of the power supplysystems of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the presentexemplary embodiment. This example corresponds to power supply states inthe sleep mode state (the human sensor power disconnection sleep mode)where power to the human sensor unit 104 is disconnected.

In the human sensor power disconnection sleep mode, as illustrated inFIG. 7, power is supplied to some of the blocks. The human sensor powerdisconnection sleep mode is different from the normal sleep mode in thatpower to the human sensor unit power supply unit 321 and the humansensor unit 104 is disconnected.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a time confirmation sequenceof the automatic sleep time function. Each step is realized by the CPUunit 317 executing a control program loaded into the memory unit 315.

First, in step S601, the CPU unit 317 determines the setting information320 of the HDD unit 316 to confirm whether the automatic sleep time isset. If the CPU unit 317 determines that the automatic sleep time is set(YES in step S601), then in step S602, the CPU unit 317 accesses the RTCunit 324 and obtains the current time. If the automatic sleep time isnot set (NO in step S601), the time confirmation sequence of theautomatic sleep time function ends. In step S603, the CPU unit 317compares the obtained current time with the automatic sleep time. If thetimes match each other (YES in step S603), then in step S604, the CPUunit 317 notifies a sleep mode shift sequence that a sleep shift triggerhas occurred. If the current time does not match the automatic sleeptime (NO in step S603), the CPU unit 317 periodically accesses the RTCunit 324 and waits for the current time to match the automatic sleeptime.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a sleep mode shift sequence.Each step is realized by the CPU unit 317 executing a control programloaded into the memory unit 315.

First, in step S701, the CPU unit 317 confirms the state of an automaticsleep time sequence, the state of a sleep automatic shift sequence, andvia the power supply control unit 312, the state of the sleep modeshift/cancellation button of the operation unit 319 to determine whethera sleep shift trigger has occurred. If the CPU unit 317 determines thata sleep mode shift instruction is not issued (NO in step S701), the CPUunit 317 periodically polls for the states of the components until asleep mode shift instruction is issued.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines that a sleep shifttrigger has occurred (YES in step S701), then in step S702, the CPU unit317 confirms the setting information 320 of the HDD unit 316 todetermine whether the sleep return time is set.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the sleep return time is set (YES instep S702), then in step S703, the CPU unit 317 sets the sleep returntime in the timer unit 314. In step S704, the CPU unit 317 enables thetimer unit 314 as a sleep return trigger. If the CPU unit 317 determinesthat the sleep return time is not set (NO in step S702), the CPU unit317 does not set the timer unit 314. Next, in step S705, the CPU unit317 confirms the state of the automatic sleep time sequence to confirmwhether the sleep shift trigger is an automatic sleep time trigger.

If the sleep shift trigger is an automatic sleep time trigger (YES instep S705), then in step S706, the CPU unit 317 performs a sleep modeshift process of software such as evacuating data from the imageprocessing unit 318, according to a control program stored in the HDDunit 316. After the sleep mode shift process of software has ended, instep S707, the CPU unit 317 instructs the power supply control unit 312to disconnect power to the power supply systems 2 and 3. If the powersupply control unit 312 receives from the CPU unit 317 the instructionfor disconnecting power to the power supply systems 2 and 3, the powersupply control unit 312 disconnects power to the relay 301, the powersupply unit 302, the power supply unit 306, and the human sensor unitpower supply unit 321, and completes the shift to the human sensor powerdisconnection sleep mode.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the sleep shift trigger is not anautomatic sleep time trigger (NO in step S705), then in step S708, theCPU unit 317 confirms the setting information 320 of the HDD unit 316 todetermine whether the automatic sleep time is set. If the CPU unit 317determines that the automatic sleep time is set (YES in step S708), thenin step S709, the CPU unit 317 sets the automatic sleep time in thetimer unit 323. Then, in step S710, the CPU unit 317 enables the timerunit 323 as a sleep return trigger.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the automatic sleep time is not set(NO in step S708), the CPU unit 317 does not set the timer unit 323.Next, in step S711, the CPU unit 317 performs a sleep mode shift processof software. In step S712, the CPU unit 317 then instructs the powersupply control unit 312 to disconnect power to the power supply system2. If the power supply control unit 312 receives from the CPU unit 317the instruction for disconnecting power to the power supply system 2,the power supply control unit 312 disconnects power to the relay 301,the power supply unit 302, and the power supply unit 306, and completesthe shift to the normal sleep mode.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a sleep mode return sequenceof the power supply control unit 312. Each step is realized by the powersupply control unit 312 executing a control program.

First, in step S801, the power supply control unit 312 determines thestates of the network processing unit 313, the human sensor unit 104,the sleep mode shift/cancellation button of the operation unit 319, thetimer unit 314, and the timer unit 323 to determine whether a sleepreturn trigger has occurred. If the power supply control unit 312determines that a sleep return trigger has not occurred (NO in stepS801), the power supply control unit 312 periodically polls for thestates of the components until a sleep return trigger occurs.

If, on the other hand, the power supply control unit 312 determines instep S801 that a sleep return trigger has occurred (YES in step S801),then in step S802, the power supply control unit 312 determines whetherthe sleep return trigger is the timer unit 323. If the power supplycontrol unit 312 determines that the sleep return trigger is the timerunit 323 (YES in step S802), then in step S803, the power supply controlunit 312 disables the timer unit 323.

After disabling the timer unit 323, then in step S804, the power supplycontrol unit 312 disconnects the supply of power to the human sensorunit power supply unit 321, which supplies power to the power supplysystem 3 (a power supply system 322). Consequently, the power supplycontrol unit 312 shifts the image forming apparatus 100 to the humansensor power disconnection sleep mode.

If, on the other hand, the power supply control unit 312 determines instep S802 that the sleep return trigger is not the timer unit 323 (NO instep S802), then in step S805, the power supply control unit 312determines whether the timer unit 314 is enabled as a sleep returntrigger.

If the power supply control unit 312 determines that the timer unit 314is enabled (YES in step S805), then in step S806, the power supplycontrol unit 312 determines whether the sleep return trigger is thetimer unit 314. If the power supply control unit 312 determines that thesleep return trigger is not the timer unit 314 (NO in step S806), thenin step S807, to supply power to the power supply system 2, the powersupply control unit 312 turns on the relay 301, the power supply unit302, and the power supply unit 306, and starts the supply of power tothe components. Then, the processing ends.

If, on the other hand, the power supply control unit 312 determines instep S805 that the timer unit 314 is disabled (NO in step S805), then instep S808, to supply power to the power supply systems 2 and 3, thepower supply control unit 312 turns on the relay 301, the power supplyunit 302, the power supply unit 306, and the human sensor unit powersupply unit 321, and starts the supply of power to the components. Then,the processing ends.

In addition, if the power supply control unit 312 determines in stepS806 that the sleep return trigger is the timer unit 314 (YES in stepS806), similarly, in step S808, the power supply control unit 312 startsthe supply of power to the power supply systems 2 and 3. Then, theprocessing ends.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of the sleep mode returnsequence. Each step is realized by the CPU unit 317 executing a controlprogram loaded into the memory unit 315.

If the power supply system 2 is turned on, power is also supplied to theCPU unit 317, and the CPU unit 317 performs a sleep mode return process.In the sleep mode return process, first, in step S901, the CPU unit 317performs the sleep mode return process of software such as restoringdata in the image processing unit 318, according to a control programstored in the HDD unit 316 or the memory unit 315. After the sleep modereturn process has ended, then in step S902, the CPU unit 317 accessesthe power supply control unit 312 to confirm the normal mode shifttrigger.

After confirming the normal mode return trigger, then in step S903, theCPU unit 317 disables the timer units 314 and 323. Then, in step S904,the CPU unit 317 performs processing according to the sleep returntrigger. After the processing according to the sleep return trigger hasended, then in step S905, the CPU unit 317 starts a time confirmationsequence of the sleep return time illustrated in FIG. 12. Next, in stepS906, the CPU unit 317 starts the time confirmation sequence of theautomatic sleep time function illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a time confirmation sequenceof the sleep return time. Each step is realized by the CPU unit 317executing a control program loaded into the memory unit 315.

First, in step S1001, the CPU unit 317 confirms the state of the humansensor unit power supply unit 321 via the power supply control unit 312to confirm whether power to the power supply system 3 is disconnected bythe automatic sleep time function. If power to the power supply system 3is disconnected (YES in step S1001), then in step S1002, the CPU unit317 accesses the RTC unit 324 and obtains the current time.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1001 thatpower to the power supply system 3 is not disconnected (NO in stepS1001), the time confirmation sequence of the sleep return time ends.

Next, in step S1003, the CPU unit 317 compares the obtained current timewith the sleep return time of the setting information 320, therebydetermining whether the current time matches the sleep return time. Ifthe CPU unit 317 determines that the current time matches the sleepreturn time (YES in step S1003), then in step S1004, the CPU unit 317turns on the human sensor unit power supply unit 321, and starts thesupply of power to the power supply system 3, which is the power supplyfor the human sensor unit 104. Then, the processing ends.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines that the current timedoes not match the sleep return time (NO in step S1003), the CPU unit317 periodically accesses the RTC unit 324 and waits for the currenttime to match the sleep return time.

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, ifthe automatic sleep time has passed, the image forming apparatus 100 isshifted to the sleep mode where power to the human sensor unit 104 isdisconnected. This can restrict the operation by the human sensor unit104 at the time when the user intentionally tries to put the imageforming apparatus 100 to sleep.

A sleep return trigger includes an operation trigger caused by theoperation unit 319, a communication trigger caused by the networkprocessing unit 313, which performs communication, and a detectiontrigger caused by the human sensor unit 104.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a description will be given of a casewhere, by the automatic sleep time function, the time at which the imageforming apparatus 100 shifts to the sleep mode and whether to enable ordisable the human sensor unit 104 at the time of the shift to the sleepmode at the automatic sleep time can be set.

In this case, by the automatic sleep time function, an item for setting,for each day of the week or each date, the time at which the user wishesthe image forming apparatus 100 to shift to sleep, and whether to enableor disable the human sensor unit 104 at the time of the shift to sleepcan be selected. When the human sensor unit 104 is set to enabled and ifthe automatic sleep time arrives, the image forming apparatus 100 shiftsto the normal sleep mode. When the human sensor unit 104 is set todisabled and if the automatic sleep time arrives, the image formingapparatus 100 shifts to the human sensor power disconnection sleep mode.The configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is similar to thatof the first exemplary embodiment and therefore will not be describedhere.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a sleep mode shift sequence.Each step is realized by the CPU unit 317 executing a control programloaded into the memory unit 315.

First, in step S1101, the CPU unit 317 confirms the state of anautomatic sleep time sequence, the state of a sleep automatic shiftsequence, and via the power supply control unit 312, the state of thesleep mode shift/cancellation button of the operation unit 319 toconfirm whether a sleep shift trigger has occurred, thereby determiningwhether a sleep mode shift instruction has been issued. If the CPU unit317 determines that a sleep mode shift instruction has not been issued(NO in step S1101), the CPU unit 317 periodically polls for the statesof the components until a sleep mode shift instruction is issued.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1101 that asleep shift trigger has occurred (YES in step S1101), then in stepS1102, the CPU unit 317 confirms the setting information 320 of the HDDunit 316 to determine whether the sleep return time is set.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the sleep return time is set (YES instep S1102), then in step S1103, the CPU unit 317 sets the sleep returntime in the timer unit 314. In step S1104, the CPU unit 317 enables thetimer unit 314 as a sleep return trigger.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the sleep return time is not set (NOin step S1102), the CPU unit 317 does not set the timer unit 314. Next,in step S1105, the CPU unit 317 confirms the state of the automaticsleep time sequence to determine whether the sleep shift trigger is anautomatic sleep time trigger.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the sleep shift trigger is anautomatic sleep time trigger (YES in step S1105), then in step S1106,the CPU unit 317 confirms the setting information 320 of the HDD unit316 to determine whether the state setting of the human sensor unit 104at the time of the shift to sleep is set to disabled.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the state setting of the humansensor unit 104 at the time of the shift to sleep is set to disabled(YES in step S1106), then in step S1107, the CPU unit 317 performs asleep mode shift process of software such as evacuating data from theimage processing unit 318, according to a control program. Then, afterthe sleep mode shift process of software has ended, in step S1108, theCPU unit 317 instructs the power supply control unit 312 to disconnectpower to the power supply systems 2 and 3. If the power supply controlunit 312 receives from the CPU unit 317 the instruction fordisconnecting power to the power supply systems 2 and 3, the powersupply control unit 312 disconnects power to the relay 301, the powersupply unit 302, the power supply unit 306, and the human sensor unitpower supply unit 321, and completes the shift to the human sensor powerdisconnection sleep mode.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1105 thatthe sleep shift trigger is not an automatic sleep time trigger (NO instep S1105), then in step S1109, the CPU unit 317 confirms the settinginformation 320 of the HDD unit 316 to determine whether the automaticsleep time is set.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the automatic sleep time is set (YESin step S1109), then in step S1110, the CPU unit 317 confirms thesetting information 320 of the HDD unit 316 to determine whether thestate setting of the human sensor unit 104 at the time of the shift tosleep is set to disabled.

If the CPU unit 317 determines that the state setting of the humansensor unit 104 at the time of the shift to sleep is set to disabled(YES in step S1110), then in step S1111, the CPU unit 317 sets theautomatic sleep time in the timer unit 323. Then, in step S1112, the CPUunit 317 enables the timer unit 323 as a sleep return trigger.

On the other hand, if the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1109 that theautomatic sleep time is not set (NO in step S1109), or if the CPU unit317 determines in step S1110 that the state setting of the human sensorunit 104 at the time of the shift to sleep is set to enabled (NO in stepS1110), the CPU unit 317 does not set the timer unit 323.

Next, in step S1113, the CPU unit 317 performs a sleep mode shiftprocess of software. Then, in step S1114, the CPU unit 317 instructs thepower supply control unit 312 to disconnect power to the power supplysystem 2. If the power supply control unit 312 receives from the CPUunit 317 the instruction for disconnecting power to the power supplysystem 2, the power supply control unit 312 disconnects power to therelay 301, the power supply unit 302, and the power supply unit 306, andcompletes the shift to the normal sleep mode.

As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, bythe automatic sleep time function, whether to enable or disable thehuman sensor unit 104 at the time of the shift to the sleep mode can beset. That is, it is possible to set the human sensor power disconnectionsleep mode for preventing erroneous detection of the human sensor unit104 only on dates and times when the image forming apparatus 100 isparticularly less frequently used, such as Saturday and Sunday. Thus, itis possible to maintain user convenience and suppress an unnecessaryshift to the normal mode.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a description will be given of a casewhere only power to the human sensor unit 104 can be controlled bysetting a time. In the third exemplary embodiment, the image formingapparatus 100 is equipped with a human sensor off time function ofsetting the time at which only power to the human sensor unit 104 isdisconnected from the normal mode.

The human sensor off time function is a function of shifting, by the CPUunit 317, the image forming apparatus 100 from the normal mode to thehuman sensor power disconnection normal mode, where power to the humansensor unit 104 is disconnected, if a time measured by the RTC unit 324reaches a time set in advance for each day of the week.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed on the operationunit 319 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the presentexemplary embodiment. This example corresponds to an example of a humansensor off time setting screen.

The configuration of the human sensor off time setting screenillustrated in FIG. 14 is controlled by the CPU unit 317 based onsoftware stored in the memory unit 315 or the HDD unit 316. A transitionis made to a human sensor off time setting screen 1401 in a case where ahuman sensor off time is to be set. A title 1406 of the human sensor offtime setting screen 1401 is displayed as “setting of human sensor offtime”. To set the human sensor off time, the user presses any ofday-of-the-week buttons 1402 and inputs numbers via numeric keypadbuttons (not illustrated) prepared in the operation unit 319.Consequently, the input numbers are displayed as a set time in a timedisplay field 1403.

To finish setting the human sensor off time, the user presses an OKbutton 1405. If the user wishes to stop setting the human sensor offtime, the user presses a cancel button 1404 and thereby can stop settingthe human sensor off time. The set human sensor off time is stored inthe setting information 320 of the HDD unit 316.

The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a human sensor on timefunction of setting the time at which the image forming apparatus 100shifts from the human sensor power disconnection normal mode to thenormal mode. The human sensor on time function is a function ofshifting, by the CPU unit 317, the image forming apparatus 100 from thehuman sensor power disconnection normal mode to the normal mode, if atime measured by the RTC unit 324 reaches a time set in advance for eachday of the week.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed on the operationunit 319 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the presentexemplary embodiment. This example corresponds to an example of a humansensor on time setting screen.

The configuration of the human sensor on time setting screen illustratedin FIG. 15 is controlled by the CPU unit 317 based on software stored inthe memory unit 315 or the HDD unit 316. A transition is made to a humansensor on time setting screen 1501 in a case where a human sensor ontime is to be set. A title 1506 of the human sensor on time settingscreen 1501 is displayed as “setting of human sensor on time”. To setthe human sensor on time, the user presses any of day-of-the-weekbuttons 1502 and inputs numbers via numeric keypad buttons (notillustrated) prepared in the operation unit 319. Consequently, the inputnumbers are displayed as a set time in a time display field 1503.

To finish setting the human sensor on time, the user presses an OKbutton 1505. If the user wishes to stop setting the human sensor ontime, the user presses a cancel button 1504 and thereby can stop settingthe human sensor on time. The set human sensor on time is stored in thesetting information 320 of the HDD unit 316.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a time confirmation sequenceof the human sensor off time function. Each step is realized by the CPUunit 317 executing a control program loaded into the memory unit 315.

First, in step S1601, the CPU unit 317 confirms the setting information320 of the HDD unit 316 to determine whether the human sensor off timeis set. If the CPU unit 317 determines that the human sensor off time isset (YES in step S1601), then in step S1602, the CPU unit 317 accessesthe RTC unit 324 and obtains the current time.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1601 thatthe human sensor off time is not set (NO in step S1601), the timeconfirmation sequence of the human sensor off time function ends.

Next, in step S1603, the CPU unit 317 compares the obtained current timewith the human sensor off time, thereby determining whether the timesmatch each other. If the CPU unit 317 determines that the current timematches the human sensor off time (YES in step S1603), then in stepS1604, the CPU unit 317 instructs the power supply control unit 312 todisconnect power to the power supply system 3. Then, if the power supplycontrol unit 312 receives from the CPU unit 317 the instruction fordisconnecting power to the power supply system 3, the power supplycontrol unit 312 disconnects power to the human sensor unit power supplyunit 321, and completes the shift to the human sensor powerdisconnection normal mode. If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317determines in step S1603 that the current time does not match the humansensor off time (NO in step S1603), the CPU unit 317 periodicallyaccesses the RTC unit 324 and waits for the current time to match thehuman sensor off time.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the imageforming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment.This example corresponds to an example of a time confirmation sequenceof the human sensor on time. Each step is realized by the CPU unit 317executing a control program loaded into the memory unit 315.

First, in step S1701, the CPU unit 317 confirms the state of the humansensor unit power supply unit 321 via the power supply control unit 312to determine whether power to the power supply system 3 is disconnectedby the human sensor off time function. If the CPU unit 317 determinesthat power to the power supply system 3 is disconnected (YES in stepS1701), then in step S1702, the CPU unit 317 accesses the RTC unit 324and obtains the current time.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1701 thatpower to the power supply system 3 is not disconnected (NO in stepS1701), the time confirmation sequence of the human sensor on time ends.

Next, in step S1703, the CPU unit 317 compares the obtained current timewith the human sensor on time of the setting information 320, therebydetermining whether the current time matches the human sensor on time.If, as a result of comparing the current time with the human sensor ontime of the setting information 320, the CPU unit 317 determines thatthe current time matches the human sensor on time (YES in step S1703),then in step S1704, the CPU unit 317 turns on the human sensor unitpower supply unit 321, and starts the supply of power to the powersupply system 3, which is the power supply for the human sensor unit104.

If, on the other hand, the CPU unit 317 determines in step S1703 thatthe current time does not match the human sensor on time (NO in stepS1703), the CPU unit 317 periodically accesses the RTC unit 324 andwaits for the current time to match the human sensor on time.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, power to the human sensorunit 104 is disconnected, whereby it is possible to mask a returntrigger from the human sensor 104. That is, it is possible to make asetting in such a manner that a sleep return operation resulting fromerroneous detection of the human sensor is prevented only on dates andtimes when the image forming apparatus 100 is particularly lessfrequently used, such as Saturday and Sunday. Thus, it is possible tosuppress an unnecessary shift to the normal mode.

According to each exemplary embodiment, in a case where the time atwhich the image forming apparatus 100 shifts from the normal mode to thesleep mode is set, power to the human sensor unit 104 is disconnected.Thus, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary shift to the normal modeat the time when the image forming apparatus 100 is less frequentlyused. Further, power to the human sensor unit 104 is disconnected,whereby it is possible to make the power consumption smaller than in thenormal sleep mode.

Each step described in the above exemplary embodiments of the disclosurecan be realized also by a processing apparatus (a CPU or a processor) ofa personal computer (a computer) or the like executing software (aprogram) obtained via a network or various storage media.

The disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments.Various modifications (including the organic combinations of theexemplary embodiments) can be made based on the spirit of thedisclosure, and such modifications are not excluded from the scope ofthe disclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it is possibleto stop power supply to a power supply system for detecting an object,for a predetermined time period during which an apparatus is in a powersaving state.

Embodiments of the disclosure can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executableinstructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium) to perform the functions of one ormore of the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure, and by amethod performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more ofa central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU), or othercircuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or separatecomputer processors. The computer executable instructions may beprovided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storagemedium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of ahard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), astorage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. While the disclosurehas been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus, comprising:a human detection unit configured to detect a human; a power controlunit configured to, based on detecting the human by the human detectionunit, change a power state of the information processing apparatus; anda setting unit configured to set information relating to time at which afunction of the human detection unit is to be disabled.
 2. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, for atleast one day of a week, the setting unit sets the information relatingto time at which the function of the human detection unit is to bedisabled.
 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,wherein, for each day of a week, the setting unit sets the informationrelating to time at which the function of the human detection unit is tobe disabled.
 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the function of the human detection unit is disabled bystopping power supply to the human detection unit.
 5. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a controlunit configured to disable the function of the human detection unit attime indicated by the information relating to time set by the settingunit.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the setting unit further sets information relating to time atwhich the function of the human detection unit is to be enabled.
 7. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, for atleast one day of a week, the setting unit sets the information relatingto time at which the function of the human detection unit is to beenabled.
 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,wherein, for each day of a week, the setting unit sets the informationrelating to time at which the function of the human detection unit is tobe enabled.
 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim6, further comprising a control unit configured to enable the functionof the human detection unit at time indicated the information relatingto time set by the setting unit.
 10. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a receiving unitconfigured to receive data externally; wherein the control unit disablesthe function of the human detection unit at time indicated by theinformation relating to time set by the setting unit but does notdisable a function of the receiving unit at the time indicated by theinformation relating to time set by the setting unit.
 11. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the powerstate includes a plurality of power states including a first power stateand a second power state in which less power is consumed than in thefirst power state, and wherein, based on detecting the human by thehuman detection unit, the power control unit shifts the informationprocessing apparatus from the second power state to the first powerstate.
 12. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a humansensor configured to sense a human; and a controller including at leastone processor and at least one memory, configured to, based on sensingthe human by the human sensor, change a power state of the informationprocessing apparatus, and configured to set information relating to timeat which a function of the human sensor is to be disabled.
 13. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, for atleast one day of a week, the controller sets the information relating totime at which the function of the human sensor is to be disabled. 14.The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein thefunction of the human sensor is disabled by stopping power supply to thehuman sensor.
 15. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 12, wherein the controller disables the function of the humansensor at time indicated by the information.
 16. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the controllerfurther sets information relating to time at which the function of thehuman sensor is to be enabled.
 17. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein, for at least one day of a week, thecontroller sets the information relating to time at which the functionof the human sensor is to be enabled.
 18. The information processingapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the controller enables thefunction of the human sensor at time indicated by the information. 19.The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein thecontroller receives data externally via a network, and wherein thecontroller disables the function of the human sensor at time indicatedby the information but does not disable a function of receiving dataexternally via the network at the time indicated by the information. 20.The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein thepower state includes a plurality of power states including a first powerstate and a second power state in which less power is consumed than inthe first power state, and wherein, based on detecting the human by thehuman sensor, the controller shifts the information processing apparatusfrom the second power state to the first power state.